Review: Dahbrew's Grilled Lemon Creme Ale

Cheers!

There is no better venue to review Dahbrew's Grilled Lemon Creme Ale than this lakeside hammock in the heart of central Minnesota on a sunny Memorial Day afternoon.

With warmer weather amongst us, the light bodied concoction of lemon infused/blended beers starts to gain a seasonal popularity. Once viewing this behavior as sacrilege to the heart and soul of beer culture, I now understand and equate the experience to be that of a modernized Hoegaarden with citrus and it's refreshing capabilities on a hot day.

Dahbrew has broken ground on this summer pastime by upping the ante with Grilled Lemon Creme Ale. The name, not to be taken lightly, is very much representative of the citrus overtones and creamy finish on this golden colored ale. 

Once opened, the grilled lemon aroma that's been yearning to escape, overwhelms the volume of the glass as it is poured. It is certain that this brew needs ample space and appropriate time to breathe and open it's bouquet. 

Dahbrew's process of grilling the lemons to manipulate the sugars is apparent as the flavor profiles are more complex than your average shanty blend. Shanties, typically resembling a molestation on rice beer by Minute Maid lemonade, are simply the unrefined version of a craft that Dahbrew has nailed in this instance. 

This ale is full bodied and complex enough to take over your thoughts as you drift away in a hammock induced daydream. In an effort to define the flavors, thoughts drift toward grill marks on yellow citrus pallets amongst fresh hops in an aromatic mash. Creme textures are constituted with a continuous layer of light head atop the surface. This continuous blanket is appearing to be characteristic for Dahbrew ales and is representative of the patient and artful craft of brewing that they take to heart.

Overall, the ever changing citrus notes in this Creme Ale are a great backdrop to a relaxing summer afternoon. Dahbrew's Grilled Lemon Creme Ale would pair nicely with a traditional turkey sandwich or chicken caesar salad due to it's laid back demeanor and ability to not overpower the conversation while also adding it's own opinion.

Cheers to summer!

My new Belgian blonde girlfriend - Sorachi Ace

Cheers!

Today's review comes after a long hiatus due to all of those various circumstances in life. Nothing seems more appropriate to ease those circumstances like Dah Brew - Sorachi Ace Belgian Blonde.

The initial pour of this Belgian reveals a light and effervescent head that stays throughout the experience. Being fed by a continuous curtain of micro bubbles that bring with them a distinct and comforting aroma of Belgian malts.

Blonde, strawberry blonde in color to be exact, this Sorachi Ace commands attention, not like the bleach blonde beach bunny, but more like the gorgeouse bridesmaid that has curling locks falling from her delicious frame.

Once on the pallet, the complexly refined profile utilizes her effervescence to catapult the seemingly bashful features of this blonde into your face forward existence. Underneath her delicious Belgian accent, this blonde is pure lace and silk. Washing over the blank canvas, Sorachi Ace shows off a carmel-ly, well rounded hop profile that sparkles with freshness (thanks to a small celled carbonation effect) and continues through to the last drop.

This bashful blonde has just proven herself to the perfect accompaniment for strong domineering foods that carry spicy or smokey tones. The continuous bubbles help to cleanse the pallet from those persistent oils to leave you feeling fresh and clean once more.

I would highly recommend Dah Brew's Sorachi Ace to be the go-to Belgian accompaniment to your next BBQ.
If you're lucky, you might be able to score some from www.dahbrew.com

Cheers!

Beer week!

It is Arizona beer week. The first one ever! I think they have a fantastic lineup of events and I've seen so many familiar faces, it actually feels like a "community"! Or, maybe, we are just all drunks... Anyways. I met Doug Odell!

Utah Beer

If you believe that utah is an alcohol no-fly-zone, you have been living under a rock. Its so convenient and so easy to say that the Mormon state can't possibly create wonderful beer. This is proof right here. Dark and thick and delicious. It is said that some of the top beers for 2011 are coming out of Utah. I hope to go there and find out soon

San Tan Brewing Chocolate Barleywine. "Sex Panther"

Ok the name is a bit odd. The beer however, is nothing to be toyed with. This beer is absolutely amazing! Chocolate overtones, I even say a little root beer... With hops and warmth. Probably from the 9.3%

Founders Breakfast Stout

Now... I know I'm drinking this lovely concoction after noon, but cut me some slack... A Double Chocolate Coffee Oatmeal Stout takes some waking up before approaching. I mean, its not like I'm in Vegas or NYC today.

This was one of the beers which Jay from Masters of None Podcast sent me and WOW it is seriously something special. Like liquid black gold, its thick and packs a punch.

I just wish I had some chili to go with it... Oh! Look! Chili!

Happy New Year!

New beers... We did a beer exchange with friends in New York and San Diego. Its a great way to get new stuff you can't get at home. Example: Alpine Duet. It is possibly tbe yummiest beer in the world. Thanks Daniel!